Specimen Source Verification

Verify the Source of Specimen Samples with DNA

We are now widely offering our DNA Specimen Provenance Assay (DSPA) test to help support physicians across the US and Canada in solving misidentified biopsy specimens. A few examples of where DSPA can help solve specimen provenance issues include:

• Areas of interest on slides or blocks

• Fragments or floaters in histologic specimens

• Multiple medical samples found within the same specimen jars

• Non-labeled specimen jars or slides

• Indiscriminate medical samples

The DNA profiles of both the tissue sample (in question) and a reference sample (buccal swab, blood, or other biological specimen) are compared to confirm a DNA match. Once a result is determined a report is published and made available via the Know Error report portal. The turn-around-time (TAT) varies depending upon the specimen type, but reports are usually issued within 2 – 3 days after receipt of both the tissue and reference samples.